The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

If my good health and a favorable economy for the newspaper business prevail, my goal is to continue for at least another year as editor of The Saugus Advocate – the town’s only exclusively Saugus community newspaper.

It’s a decision I’ve been making for the last nine years. And now, at age 72 – an age when my professional peers have either retired or passed away – I am still motivated to report, write, edit and photograph people, places and events for a tenth consecutive year. I’ve been covering Saugus for 14 ½ years now, if one counts the 5 ½ years I worked for North Shore Sunday many years ago (1987-92).

About this time every year, I make a judgement call as to whether I have enough energy and motivation to put out a newspaper that informs, enlightens and entertains the people of Saugus. It’s always my goal to be a force of good in the community, producing journalism in a weekly magazine-ish format that, hopefully, leads to the betterment of the community. Some weeks it seems like a daunting task. There might not be enough time or space to meet the growing demands or requests for news stories.

Fortunately, I am blessed to have a steady volunteer team of contributors who provide some interesting articles and photos and sometimes sketches. And that’s really the ultimate goal: to provide the readers with interesting local news that shines a spotlight on important community issues and facilitates discussion among residents, the policy setters in local government and the citizen decision makers.

Frankly, I could continue with what I’m doing for another five to 10 years – as long as I have my health and the backing of my publisher. So, at this point in my career, I’m at least looking at one more Annual Town Meeting and one more town election. Stay tuned.

 

Saugus 4-1-1 set for March 15

Planning for the Saugus 4-1-1 forum that is scheduled for March 15 at the Saugus Middle High School continues. This is the special event aimed at briefing new residents, as well as those folks who have lived in Saugus for years, on what the town has to offer.

Selectman Corinne Riley – one of the organizers of the event – noted in an email to The Saugus Advocate this week that the event attracted some positive feedback this week:

“More good news from the Saugus 4-1-1 Committee! Letters were mailed to our new residents last week and we’ve already received more and more RSVPs from families that are looking forward to the event! Non-profit clubs, committees, youth groups and places of worship, totaling 24, have secured their tables to pass out information on their organization, and to meet our new as well as established residents. There is still time for businesses and services to contact us to add their business cards, menus, informational pamphlets, etc for 50 ‘welcome bags’ for our guests! A great way to let them know about our local businesses and services! Please email Sa*******@gm***.com for any questions you may have, and also to let us know if you would like an item added to our welcome bags! Looking forward to seeing many Saugonians, new and old, on the 15th!”

Selectman Riley was the driving force behind the nifty program, which had two previous well-attended Saturdays at the Saugus Middle High School in recent years (2022 and 2023). Stay tuned for more details.

 

Saugus United Parish Food Pantry

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry welcomes all neighbors facing food insecurity on Fridays from 9:30-11 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church. Please note that the pantry is pausing food drive donations through the end of February because of the generosity of the community during the holiday season. Food drives will resume in March.

 

Legion Breakfasts today

There’s a good deal for Saugus veterans and other folks who enjoy a hearty breakfast on Friday mornings. The American Legion Post 210 at 44 Taylor St. in Saugus offers Friday morning breakfasts for the 2024-25 season. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., with breakfast served from 8-9:00 a.m. for an $8 donation. Veterans who cannot afford the donation may be served free.

 

This week’s “SHOUT OUTs”

We received several “Shout Outs” from readers this week:

  From Precinct 1 Town Meeting Member Stacey Herman-Dorant: “A big shout out to the Saugus Cultural Council for putting on an amazing event last weekend, the Saugus Cultural Festival! It was so nice to see the community come together and celebrate all of the cultures that make up our wonderful Town of Saugus. The performances, the food, the vendors and everything in between was so well organized and FUN. I look forward to this event next year!”

  From frequent Saugus Advocate contributor Janice Jarosz: “SHOUT OUT! Reminder! Ms. Jasmine Grace will be appearing at the Saugus Middle/High School on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM.

“Town officials have been invited along with many local residents, to hear Jasmine’s story of sex trafficking and drug addiction, how she recovered and went on to dedicate her life trying to save so many other young girls that suffered from the same additions. Ms. Grace will take questions from the audience at the end of her presentation.

“Admission is free, but should you like to donate to the Bags of Hope the following is a list of items: 12 oz Shampoo, 12oz Conditioner, Bars of Soap, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Deodorant, Tampons, Women’s Socks, Trail Mix, Chapstick, Nail Polish, Hairbrushes, Hair Elastics/Clips, Notes of Encouragement, Seasonal Winter Items, $5 Dunks Cards.

“This event is sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution, (DAR) Ms. Gail Cassarino, Regent, and the MEG Foundation Board of Directors.”

  From Lin Bell: “I would like to give a Shout Out to whoever chopped down the ice wall at my entrance! With no drain pipes, the icicles form, drip, and an ice wall builds up. Today I found it chipped away with the ice chunks shoveled aside. I am most appreciative of my mystery person.”

  From Tori Darnell, Saugus Cultural Council Co-Chair, thanking The Saugus Advocate for its advance coverage of the Cultural Council’s First Cultural Festival: “Thank you for your efforts in reporting about the Cultural Council’s 1st Cultural Festival for the Saugus community. We had a great turn out for our first year, roughly a bit more than 400 people. This is based on the free-to-participate door raffles. We are sure that we may have had a bit more than what we counted in tickets, but all in all, a successful event.

“I also wanted to add that many people praised the event stating it was exactly what was needed for Saugus to celebrate diversity. Some even shared that they heard about the event through the Advocate! You did an amazing push in reporting in the weeks leading up to the festival. Again, thank you again for reporting on local news and events to keep the community engaged.”

 

Want to “Shout Out” a fellow Saugonian?

This is an opportunity for our paper’s readers to single out – in a brief mention – remarkable acts or achievements by Saugus residents or an act of kindness or a nice gesture. Just send an email (mv***@co*****.net) with a mention in the subject line of “An Extra Shout Out.” No more than a paragraph; anything longer might lend itself to a story and/or a photo.

 

A polar plunge on March 9

Saugus Police Detective Stacey Forni wants to spread the word about a special fund-raising event that the Saugus Police and Fire Departments will be collaborating on a week from Sunday (March 9). They will be hosting their first Special Olympics Polar Plunge at the Knights of Columbus located at 57 Appleton St. in Saugus. Check-in for the plunge is at noon. The actual plunge starts at 1 p.m.

“I hope everyone’s new year has started out well and everyone is attempting to make healthy choices/ resolutions for the new year… with that in mind I wanted to reach out to everyone and see if we could ALL get together and start the new year off with a healthy polar plunge together!!!,” Detective Stacey wrote in an email message to police and firefighters who are planning to plunge.

“Research has shown that polar plunges help boost your immune system, improve your mood and focus, help with stress management, boost metabolism and improve circulation. Not only would you be doing something to benefit your health, but by registering you’d also be donating to the Special Olympics,” she said.

“If you do not want to plunge you can register as a towel holder. This event is open to friends and family, so encourage as many people as you can.

“For those wondering about attire and other information about the plunge:

  “Attire – You can wear whatever you want from a speedo/bikini to a snowsuit and/or uniform.

  “What are we plunging into? – It’s a portable pool that the Special Olympics brings in.

  “Can I change and get warm before and after the plunge? – Yes, the K of C will be open and we plan on having refreshments and goodies inside for you while you stay warm.

  “Medical – There will be an ambulance stationed on scene and Saugus Fire’s Divers will be posted in the pool to assist anyone with exiting the pool after they plunge.

“Any other questions please feel free to ask.”

“It is open to the public and we welcome anyone interested in signing up or even donating coffee or snacks for the day of the plunge. If anyone has any questions in regards to the plunge they can contact me at 781-941-1190,” Detective Forni wrote. For more information, go to POLARPLNGEMA.ORG

 

A March 12 forum on Route 1

The annual meeting of the Saugus Historical Society will be held 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 12 at 30 Main St. This is the first meeting of 2025.The speaker will be Laura Eisener, society president, talking about Route 1 and how it has changed over the years.

Do you have a favorite memory of a place on Route 1? Many businesses have weathered decades on this popular stretch of road, but recent years have seen closures of some very popular restaurants, stores and other businesses. We invite you to listen to some history and to share your stories.

Members and the public are welcome free of charge. Light refreshments will be served.

 

Fireside Chats were very popular

Laura Eisener notes that the Fireside Chats at the Christopher P. Dunne Visitor’s Center at Breakheart Reservation were very popular this winter, with programs presented by several regional specialists at the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation who work at state parks in Eastern Massachusetts. The warm fire, hot coffee, tea, cocoa and donuts were a welcome respite from the cold weather and snowy trails in January and February. Programs included discussions of native American history in the area, silviculture and forest maintenance, fire suppression, bird populations and natural resource management at Breakheart and other area state parks.

While the Fireside Chats and Friday morning Kaleidoscope programs are finished for the season, there are “Nice and Easy Hikes” from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Saturdays starting from the Visitor’s Center (177 Forest St.), which continue through March, weather permitting. These moderately paced hikes, led by a forest ranger, are ideal for ages eight and up, including adults.

 

Maple Sugarin’ Days at Breakheart March 8

The very popular Maple Sugarin’ Days event will be on Saturday, March 8 with educational and flavorful experiences for all ages: tapping the maple trees, sampling several grades of real maple syrup and a history of maple sugaring from the Native Americans to modern practices. The event includes outside activities, viewing the evaporator, which turns sap to syrup, wood splitting to fuel the boiling process and tips on tree identification. Events take place 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

 

Countdown Till Saugus Town Meeting

Beginning this week in The Saugus Advocate, we are for the second consecutive year publishing a series of articles titled “Countdown Till Saugus Town Meeting.” The 2025 Annual Town Meeting convenes on Monday, May 5. As a special service to our readers and the registered voters of Saugus, we are reaching out to the 50 Town Meeting members, focusing on one precinct each week, in the weeks leading up to the start of Town Meeting, asking members about their expectations for the upcoming Town Meeting.

This week, we heard from three of the five Town Meeting members – all who cited the renovation of Stackpole Field into a top-notch playground as a top priority for the residents of their precinct. Next week, we will reach out for comment from the five Town Meeting Members in Precinct 2.

The purpose of the series is to inform the public about key issues and ideas that are in the works as the Town Meeting season approaches. This is also intended as a forum to connect residents in each of the precincts with the five people who represent them in the Legislative branch of Saugus Town government.

 

Town Democrats meet March 4

The Saugus Democratic Town Committee will meet on March 4 at 7 p.m. on the second floor of the Saugus Public Safety Building at 27 Hamilton St.

 

Special DAR Program March 8

Here’s a special invitation from the local Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), who will host a special program on Saturday, March 8, at 11 a.m. in the Saugus High School Auditorium at Pearce Drive in Saugus:

“An event worth attending – the Women’s Issue Project with Ms. Jasmine Grace, guest speaker and founder of Jasmine Grace Ministries – Bags of Hope which is a non-profit organization dedicated to the cause of rescuing young people who are affected by trafficking, prostitution, addiction and homelessness.

“Jasmine Grace grew up in our town, Saugus and appeared to be living a normal life. She attended school and lived at home, but something very sinister was happening. She met a man at a local club at a very young age and slowly … he groomed her into a life of human trafficking, lasting for years. When she was finally able to break away from his hold, she started a non-profit organization to help and assist both young men and women by offering a path to freedom from human trafficking

“Her presentation is both sad and powerful and filled with stories of innocent victims who found themselves brainwashed and victimized. She explains how she was able to survive and finally breakthrough escaping the grips of her [capturers].

“This is a free event; however, we kindly ask that you donate an item needed for the Bags of Hope. Our goal is to fill 30 Bags of Hope to donate to her cause. Items still needed are: Shower Gel, Shampoo 12 oz, Conditioner 12 oz, Hats, Deodorant, Visine, Body Lotion, Hair brush, Nail Polish, Socks, Toothbrush, ChapStick, Hair Ties, Water Bottle, Shower Puff, Floss, Mittens/Gloves, Trail Mix.

“For any questions or concerns, please contact Gail Cassarino, Regent – Parson Roby Chapter NSDAR (National Society Daughters of the American Revolution) at pa******************@gm***.com or Janice Jarosz, at 339-222- 2178.”

 

What’s going on at the library

• A workshop for aspiring writers: Pen to Paper: A Writing Workshop, by Laura Eisener, local journalist, historian and horticulturist. For those folks who missed the previous classes, there are still three more workshops scheduled – March 11, 18 and 25 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Brooks Room on the second floor of the Saugus Public Library at 295 Central St. in Saugus.

Do you want to write? Perhaps you have thought about starting a blog, creating a memoir, writing your sixth murder mystery in a series, developing a series of articles, explaining how to knit or recreate a special family recipe or writing a textbook or the great American novel? Whatever your level of experience, goals or preferred literary genre, this free workshop can help you enjoy writing more and encourage you to keep at it. We will use a combination of discussions, prompts and writing exercises to give you new incentives and confidence. There is some optional “homework,” but no preregistration is required, and you can attend as often as your schedule allows.

• Needlecrafting: Hello to fans of Needlecrafting: knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc. The SPL Needlecrafting Group will be on Thursday, March 20, from 10–11 a.m. in the Brooks Room. No registration needed, drop ins welcome. Bring your Work in Progress and enjoy the conversation. Cocoa and tea will be provided. Any questions, call Reference at 781-231-4168
• Cookie decorating: Come join us for our cookie decorating program! We will be having a professional come over on Monday, March 3, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Brooks Room on the second floor. Fifth grade and up – registration required.
• Classical Music at the Library: If you love to listen to free music, show up at the Community Room next Saturday (March 8) at 2 p.m. when the Island Trio will perform, thanks to a generous grant from the Saugus Cultural Council – a local arm of the Mass Cultural Council.

 

Saugus Sachems Spring Track Program 2025

Coach Christopher Tarantino – also known affectionately as “Coach T” – announced plans for his Spring Track Program. “This program is geared toward new track and field athletes. It will prepare them for the larger-scale summer camp,” Coach T said in an email.

Here’s a summary of what interested kids and their parents need to know:

Who: Grades K-5^th.

Where: Belmonte Track.

When: 4:00-5:15 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays; May 6-June 12.

Cost: $100 first year, $50 if returning.

For any questions, further information or to register, please contact Coach Christopher Tarantino (Coach T) at 781-854-6778 or ch********************@gm***.com

 

About The Saugus Advocate

We welcome press releases, news announcements, freelance articles and courtesy photos from the community. Our deadline is 6 p.m. on Tuesday. If you have a story idea, an article or a photo to submit, please email me at mv***@co*****.net or leave a message at 978-683-7773. Or send your press release to me in the mail at PO Box 485, North Andover, MA 01845. Let us become your hometown newspaper. The Saugus Advocate is available in the Saugus Public Library, the Saugus Senior Center, Saugus Town Hall, local convenience stores and restaurants throughout town.